Seeking that perfect gift for a wine lover? Modesto columnist offers suggestions
Ficklin Vineyards was founded in 1946. They produce award-wining ports at their adobe winery near Madera. The family planted Portuguese varietals in the late 1940s and have produced more than 75 vintages of superior quality port from these gnarly old vines. Their Old Vine Tinta ($25) and the Aged 10 Years Tawny ($35) are consistent gold medal winners and would be the perfect gift for that wine lover.
“Wine Folly: Magnum Edition: The Master Guide” is the expanded version of the paperback “Wine Folly” which was a James Beard Award winner in 2018. The magnum edition is loaded with essential tips to help you cut through the complexity of wine with more than 100 varietals color coded by style, wine countries with detailed maps, expanded food and wine pairings and, of course, how to taste wine like a pro. It is the most complete guide for anyone looking to take their wine knowledge to the next level and a perfect gift for that wine aficionado. ($35)
Another excellent wine book is “The Wine Bible,” a third edition 2022 paperback by Karen MacNeil. It is comprehensive, entertaining, authoritative, beautifully written and endlessly interesting, according to the reviews. For me, it has been my go-to resource tool for many years and the third edition has added Great Britain, Croatia and Israel. ($19.95) Why not splurge and purchase both?
Of all the wine gimmicks and do-dads out there, this is one I covet most. It is the wine neck collar or the drip catcher. At dinner parties, with multiple bottles being passed, no coasters are needed. Just slide the ring down the neck and it works, no wine drips on the tablecloth. (Four collars for $7.99) This should be a stocking stuffer. Ho-ho-ho, have a great Christmas!
Pisoni Family Winery Vineyards gives back
The Pisoni family of Monterey County has always been committed to making exceptional wines. The release of their Lucy wines in 2000 has given them the ability to combine this passion with philanthropy. The family donates $1 of each bottle sold. Lucy Rose of Pinot Noir, since inception, has raised more than $200,000 for breast cancer research. A few years later, the family added Lucy Pico Blanco, which is a blend of Pinot Gris and Pinot Blanc, and $1 of each bottle sold goes to the Monterey Bay Aquarium for their efforts in ocean conservancy. Last year, the family released their Gamay Noir and the total contribution went to the Big Sur Fire Department.
In 2023, the Pisoni Family Vineyards donated $35,000 to their partner organizations. The total contributions of their $1 per Lucy bottle sold programs is now almost $250,000. A well done cheers goes out to the Pisoni Family and, of course, Lucy.
What’s on our table
I think the best value wines at Grocery Outlet are red wines from Portugal and Spain. Most are under $8 and are sold there because there just isn’t enough shelf space in your market. I bought four reds from Spain and invited seven wine loving friends to rate them. There were no zonks here with three red blends and one single variety, a 100% Monastrell (Mourvedre). The 2020 Siglo Roble Ribera del Duero from Cosecha ($8) and the Castano 2020 Monastrell from Yecla ($6) split the votes for first place. Second place went to the 2022 Castillo De Eneriz Red Blend from Navarra ($6) and a few points behind was the 2019 Marques Del Atrio Red Blend from Rioja ($7). It was a fun tasting (aren’t they all?). For dinner, the Navigator made her famous tamale pie and paired with only a few dribbles of leftover wine. “Pour” planning and what a bummer.
Questions? Comments? Find me on Facebook or at rgwinton@yahoo.com.